Chapter One : Shadows of the past

Sixteen-year old Rosaline Hartley hurried through the bustling streets of Silvervale, her cloak pulled tight around her to ward off the evening chill. The flickering torches cast a warm glow, illuminating the faces of the passersby who paid her no mind. She was just another silhouette in the shadows, invisible to the world around her.

As she turned the corner onto willow street Rosaline quickened her pace. She had promised her mother she would be home before dark, but her errands had taken longer than expected. The market had been crowded and she had lost track of time.

As she approached the familiar view of her family's house in Silvervale, Rosaline's heart sank. The windows were dark and the curtains drawn. She knew what awaited her inside - another lonely evening with no one but her thoughts for company.

Pushing open the heavy door, Rosaline stepped into the dimly lit foyer. The house was eerily quiet, the only sound the soft crackling of the fire in the hearth.

She hung her cloak on the stand and made her way to the drawing - room , where her mother awaited her.

"Rosie my dear " her mother greeted her, her voice tinged with concern. "You're late , I was starting to worry". I'm sorry mother Rosaline replied sinking into a chair opposite her. "The streets were crowded and I lost track of time". Her mother sighed , her expression softening. "It's alright , my dear I understand, but you must be careful the streets can be dangerous especially for a young woman alone ". Rosaline nodded , knowing her mother spoke the truth. The streets of Silvervale were not kind to those who ventured out after dark, especially women of her station. They lived in a village called willowstreet in the kingdom of Silvervale. It's populated by both werewolves and non-werewolves (humans) and it's ruled by a werewolf king, king Darius the alpha of all alphas. And their kingdom is located in the east. Here in willow it's headed by their alpha Loren and his Luna Mica. Though their alpha is strong but they've been in constant threat of rogues invading the village so it wasn't wise to stay out so late especially at night.

As they sat in silence, Rosaline's mind wandered to her father Edward Hartley who abandoned them for his new mate and family. Though her father left them when she was very little, she missed him terribly despite his shortcomings.

"How was your day dear, did Mrs burke like the dress?" Her mother asked her. "Yes mama Mrs burke loved it and she asked you to make a new one for her". Oh dear that's a lot of work, I still have many other clothes I need to design and work on , well I guess more work means more food on our table, her mother replied.

Rosaline's mother Lady Eleanor Hartley was a woman of grace and strength, though the years had taken their toll, her once -vibrant spirit seemed dimmed by the weight of their circumstances, yet she remained a pillar of strength for Rosaline.

"Mother do you think father will ever return? Rosa asked breaking the silence that hung between them. Lady Eleanor's gaze softened and she reached out to clasp Rosaline's hand "I do not know my dear, your father's path has taken him far from us and I fear he may never find his way back ". Eleanor knew from the moment Edward told her that he found his mate that she had lost him for good. Edward was a werewolf and for werewolves finding their true mates was rare and if you find yours it will be impossible to resist the mate pull and if you mark them , they're bound together for life.

Tears welled up in Rosaline's eyes as she thought of her father , a man she barely remembered. She had been just a child of three when he had left them and his absence had left a void in her life that nothing could fill. As the fire cracked in the hearth, memories of happier times flooded Rosaline's mind. She remembered a time when her family had been whole, when laughter and love had filled their home. Her father, Edward had been a different man then - kind, loving and devoted to his family. Rosaline recalled how he used to lift her up on his shoulders and twirl her around the garden, her laughter filling the air. But those memories were now tainted by the reality of their present situation.

"Mama do you think things would have been different if he hadn't met her? Rosaline asked her mother. "I don't know dear but I don't like to dwell on what could have been. He left us yes, but I don't regret marrying him because I got blessed with you "Eleanor replied, tears threatening to spill from her eyes. Rosie knew that her mom doesn't like talking about her father but she couldn't help asking about him. Her father Edward had met his true mate when Rosaline was just three years old and everything had changed. He had left them without a word , without a backward glance at the family he's leaving behind, choosing his new family over his old.

As the years passed , Rosaline and her mother had struggled to make ends meet . Lady Eleanor had taken to sewing and embroidery work to support them and she loved making and designing clothes which she taught her daughter and that's how they've been surviving. It wasn't much but they were happy. Despite their hardships they had remained close, finding strength in each other's company. Lady Eleanor had a source of unwavering support and love for Rosaline, guiding her through the trials of adolescence with wisdom and grace. But now as Rosaline looked at her mother, she could see the toll that their struggles had taken on her. Lady Eleanor's once bright eyes were now dulled with fatigue and lines of worry marred her gentle face . "Mama, are you feeling well? Rosaline asked, concern lacing her voice. Lady Eleanor smiled weakly, though her eyes betrayed her pain. "I'm just tired , dear it's been a long day. Rosaline knew her mother was downplaying her condition. Lady Eleanor had been growing weaker in recent months her health failing. Rosaline feared the worst.